I guess I would love to have the rig with minimum functionality and have them
issue weekly firmware upgrades (like the Jupiter :-) that I could deal with
as incremental improvements. I don't need the contesting features or
panoramic stereo to begin enjoying the dual RX. I can live without the
internal tuner or keyer and my Jupiter remote pod will work just fine on the
Orion.
I found a novel solution to keep me happy - I ordered the Ten-Tec 1220 2M FM
kit (http://www.tentec.com/Tk1220.htm) and will build it and enjoy setting it
up over the next few weeks. Yes, I know the argument is that you can buy an HT
at a hamfest for $25, but I get a great deal of pleasure out of building a rig
and I am willing to pay for that entertainment value. For me, the price is
right and the kit has a history of delivering fun and good performance on the
repeaters. Dave Benson will have his "son of DSW" or the "DSW-II" out in a
month or so and we can hack at it too. The Rock-Mite is gaining in popularity
and there is a beautiful new anodized case for the QRPp crowd. So many nice
diversions while waiting for the new Orion.
de ken n9vv
http://www.n9vv.com/orion.html
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